There is no school like old school. You know I beliefe in that. Today, however some old school tactics are just out of bounds in the Covid-19 era of no handshakes and no contact.
How do we build business in handcuffs? How do we adapt old school tactics for a new world for social distance?
Here are my top tips for no-touch haircut hustling.
In the shop
1. Encourage clients to take a picture of your business card with their phone. They can carry it with them always this way.
2. Post a “business card” picture on the wall in the waiting area. This is a framed, enlarged version of your card specifically for the purpose of picture taking.
3. Offer to text clients an image of your card. Save a card image in your gallery. This puts you card on their phone. It is also a grwta way to get their cell number, too.
4. Post the image of your business card in your social spaces. Tweet and IG you card for others to find, share and reference.
5. Watermark all your photos. Use a FREE watermarking app to add your IG or twitter handle to all haircut images that you post and share. This way your contact info travels with your picture. They become inseparable.
6. Mention sanitation and safety. In today’s environment clients are seeking reassurance that you and your shop are safe. Address this before they ask about it. Some will not ask. They will just stay away. Get out in front of this important issue early.
Out and about
I have always been the king of out and about haircut hustling. Now the rules of this game are just a bit different.
Here are my tips.
1. Stay 6 feet away. Respect people’s space.
2. Compliment people’s haircuts. See great hair, say something. Target the best hair you see. Offer a kind comment. People love this. People need this now more than ever. People appreciate this.
3. Hold up your card. Hold it up but do not hold it out. Some people will gladly take it. Other will not. Respect people’s choices.
4. Offer to text your card image (now you have their cell number, too.) People will be morel likely to share their cell number than their hand.
5. Offer to text your Twitter handle or IG handle. Reference your haircut photo gallery if you curate one.
6. Offer to text some haircut images or inspirations. Send images that are similar ot the client’s hair or look like suggestions you might offer. Think of these interactions as mini street consultations.
7. Mention sanitation and safety. In today’s environment clients are seeking reassurance that you and your shop are safe. Address this before they ask about it. Some will not ask. They will just stay away. Get out in front of this important issue early.
Our industry has always been high-touch. When we are touching less we ramp up the high-tech. We have powerful tools that will let us figuratively bridge the six-foot gap.
How are you “jumping the gap”? How are you building business in odd times? Share your ideas with me.
THX.
Ivan
